Bergen County, New Jersey DWI Attorney

Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing an DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an assertive and skilled DWI criminal defense lawyer will help you understand all of your options and rights.

Arrested for DUI in Bergen County?

Under New Jersey law, when you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state imposes penalties based on your BAC (blood-alcohol concentration). New Jersey uses a 2-tier system to impose DWI charges upon an offender:

• 1. blood alcohol content (BAC) between 0.08% and 0.10%
• 2. blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10% or greater

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders with a BAC Between 0.08% and 0.10%

• Monetary Fine - The fine for a first time DUI in Bergen County, New Jersey is from $250 to $400.
• Additional Penalties - The first time offender must attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for a minimum of 6 hours a day for 2 consecutive days.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Bergen County, New Jersey will face up to 30 days jail time.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction results in the loss of driving privileges for 3 months.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders with a BAC of 0.10% or Higher

• Time in Jail - A first time DWI offender will face up to two months jail time.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Bergen County, New Jersey results in the revocation of driving privileges in New Jersey for 7 months, up to 1 year.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender in Bergen County, New Jersey will face up to thirty days imprisonment.
• Additional Penalties - The first time offender must attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for a minimum of 6 hours a day for 2 consecutive days.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DWI / DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in New Jersey.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 6 months and a fine of $250.00, up to $500.00.

Intoxicated Driver Program - New Jersey

In New Jersey, any person convicted of an alcohol related traffic offense must participate in a program at a New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Resource Center (also known as the IDRC.) Satisfactory participation in IDRC is a step toward restoring your New Jersey driver's license. Failure to comply will result in further loss of your driving privileges and possible jail time.

• DWI / DUI offenders attend required Alcohol and Highway Safety Education classes
• There is an IDRC in each county for first and third-time DWI (driving while impaired) offenders and three regional centers for second-time DWI offenders
• IDRC evaluates each offender for an alcohol or drug problem and will determine any need for treatment. If treatment is needed, the center refers the offender to an appropriate provider for a 16-week minimum treatment.
• IDRC monitors all compliance and reports any noncompliance to the courts and the New Jersey MVC.
• The DWI offender may supplement (but not replace) the treatment with attendance at a self-help group

Failure to pay DUI Surcharges Can result in...

• The indefinite revocation of driving privileges in New Jersey
• Action filed in State Superior Court by the Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey. This may include securing a lien against your property, garnishing your wages or other similar action

Surcharges are fines assessed by the New Jersey MVC on an annual basis for drivers who have earned excessive points or committed a specific violation like an DWI charge in New Jersey. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines or penalties you may be facing.

Subsequent DWI (driving while impaired) Offenses in New Jersey

For any additional DUI violations, penalties are more severe. Because of the complexity of DUI laws in Bergen County, New Jersey, you may not be aware of rights and options. This is why a competent and professional lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Jersey DWI / DUI attorney for a fast and free consultation.